Suns Claim Jordan Goodwin off waivers

[Minerva N. Owl]

On 10/11/2025 at 10:55 AM, thetorch said:

Butler looked awful against the Nets but everything I read still gives him an edge making the team over Goodwin.

Most of what I have read and heard gives the nod to Goodwin over Butler. The most detailed article I've seen details the game of Goodwin and Butler, evaluating the strengths of each in terms of points, efficiency, play making, defensive impact, and the eye test, while reaching this conclusion: Jordan Goodwin "looks like the steadier, more reliable piece. The kind of player you trust to make the right play instead of forcing the risky one." See Bright Side of the Sun article, here. Other articles I've read reach the same conclusion. Sports Illustrated characterizes Goodwin (not Butler) as the Suns "answer for bench minutes". Podcasts reach the same conclusion: Locked on Suns says this about Butler/Goodwin: "Jared Butler is not making this team. Jordan Goodwin will be the third string point guard because he fits the mold for what the Suns are doing."

In today's final preseason game for the Suns (coincidentally against the Lakers) JGood had 24 points. Jared Butler went off for 35 points. Butler definitely can score, but he's never seen a shot he doesn't like, and Butler made some circus shots. I doubt his performance made his case, provided that the coaching staff of the Suns wants to emphasize defense.

My hunch is that the podcast and articles I quoted above have it right: "Jared Butler is not making this team. Jordan Goodwin will be the third string point guard because he fits the mold for what the Suns are doing." Should Goodwin make the team, it will be because he will be recognized as more reliable and as fitting what the Suns are doing in terms of emphasizing hustle and defense. The first game for Phoenix is Oct 22, so we'll know in a matter of days ...

 

 

 

[Compton]

8 hours ago, Minerva N. Owl said:

In today's final preseason game for the Suns (coincidentally against the Lakers) JGood had 24 points. Jared Butler went off for 35 points. Butler definitely can score, but he's never seen a shot he doesn't like, and Butler made some circus shots. I doubt his performance made his case, provided that the coaching staff of the Suns wants to emphasize defense.

I hope you're right about everything. Butler definitely took the opportunity to make his case in that Lakers game: 7 boards, 9 assists, 0 TOs, in addition to the 35 pts.  

[cgeldmacher]

3 hours ago, Compton said:

I hope you're right about everything. Butler definitely took the opportunity to make his case in that Lakers game: 7 boards, 9 assists, 0 TOs, in addition to the 35 pts.  

To me, that says what you need to know about Butler.  When his job is threatened and he's got one more game to prove what he can do, all the sudden he cares much more about rebounds, passing the ball, and taking care of the ball.  Goodwin does this stuff every game.  Hopefully, the Suns coaching staff doesn't fall in love with the unrealized potential of Butler over the solid all around game of Goodwin.

[mjhawkinsmd]

 

[Old guy]

Great news! Congratulations JG, well deserved.

[slu72]

Go JGood! 

[HoosierPal]

https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/suns-roster/90776/final-roster-cuts-jared-butler-david-duke-jr-phoenix-basketball-2025

Suns waived Butler and Dukes.  Timing, money and margins are in Godwin’s favor. 

[Minerva N. Owl]

On 10/15/2025 at 8:52 AM, Compton said:

I hope you're right about everything. Butler definitely took the opportunity to make his case in that Lakers game: 7 boards, 9 assists, 0 TOs, in addition to the 35 pts.  

Thoughtful reason won out over the hot takes with regard to Jordan Goodwin and the Phoenix Suns (thankfully). Earlier in this thread I showed that most writers and podcasters were expecting the Suns would retain Goodwin and cut Butler, but you would never know that just by reading headlines. Here's what the headlines said about Jared Butler getting released:

Suns sensationally cut top preseason performer from final roster

Phoenix Suns Shock NBA World With Decision on Jared Butler

No one saw this coming: Jared Butler gets the unexpected hammer ahead of the regular season

Headlines are frequently ridiculous, but these are all misleading, and the last one is particularly obnoxious: the truth is that all the calm voices were saying that the Suns would retain Goodwin, not Butler, which is exactly what happened.

Jordan Goodwin now has until early January to show he belongs as a rotation player.

[Old guy]

As we all know will be the case JG will try as hard as he can to stay in the regular rotation. I hope he achieves this goal.

[thetorch]

Butler was a project of the Suns organization.  Goodwin was the underdog going into the summer.  Also I imagine most don't understand that Butler being cut was mostly a financial issue.  The Suns cannot afford to have a full roster.  Under normal circumstances both Butler and Goodwin would have made the team.

Goodwin won this battle because of his defense, energy, and how he fits in with his teammates.

[Coach314]

JGood is the 3rd point guard.  

[Lord Elrond]

13 minutes ago, thetorch said:

Butler was a project of the Suns organization.  Goodwin was the underdog going into the summer.  Also I imagine most don't understand that Butler being cut was mostly a financial issue.  The Suns cannot afford to have a full roster.  Under normal circumstances both Butler and Goodwin would have made the team.

Goodwin won this battle because of his defense, energy, and how he fits in with his teammates.

One thing following situation has made me aware of is just how complicated and convoluted the NBA roster rules are.

[2010andBeyond]

Goodwin was a DNP or only getting garbage time minutes during the Suns first five games. However, he was inserted into the rotation last game which they won and he has 6pts in the first half tonight as the Suns are up on the Spurs 70-52. Hopefully this is the beginning of him being a mainstay in the PHX rotation similar to what he was doing last year in LA. 

[Pistol]

Goodwin's final line: 20 minutes, 11 points (3-5, 3-5, 2-2), 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 turnovers, 2 fouls, -11.

The Suns handed the Spurs their first defeat of the season, 130-118.

[almaman]

1 hour ago, Pistol said:

Goodwin's final line: 20 minutes, 11 points (3-5, 3-5, 2-2), 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 turnovers, 2 fouls, -11.

The Suns handed the Spurs their first defeat of the season, 130-118.

Cool

[SLU_Nick]

 

14 hours ago, 2010andBeyond said:

Goodwin was a DNP or only getting garbage time minutes during the Suns first five games. However, he was inserted into the rotation last game which they won and he has 6pts in the first half tonight as the Suns are up on the Spurs 70-52. Hopefully this is the beginning of him being a mainstay in the PHX rotation similar to what he was doing last year in LA. 

If the Suns are tanking, Goodwin won't play much.  He plays too much winning basketball. 

It's like the wizards...the young guys actually might win so you have put the ball in CJ McCollum/Kris Middleton's hands in the 4th quarter.  

The NBA has a massive losing on purpose problem.  

[cgeldmacher]

I'm going to the game in Phoenix on Thursday night.  Hopefully, I will get to see Jordan get some time.

[Compton]

Amazing watching JGood continue to make an impact in the NBA. Five seasons and counting. 

[willie]

34 minutes ago, Compton said:

Amazing watching JGood continue to make an impact in the NBA. Five seasons and counting. 

I just wish he would get the payday he deserves. Torch what does he need for a pension? 

[Compton]

28 minutes ago, willie said:

I just wish he would get the payday he deserves. Torch what does he need for a pension? 

He's already qualified for an NBA pension. He vested for a pension after three seasons with at least one game on an NBA roster. Each season after that, his 4th and 5th seasons so far, has increased the future payout. But yeah, an actual non-minimum contract would be great. 

[willie]

2 minutes ago, Compton said:

He's already qualified for an NBA pension. He vested for a pension after three seasons with at least one game on an NBA roster. Each season after that, his 4th and 5th seasons so far, has increased the future payout. But yeah, an actual non-minimum contract would be great. 

Thanks

[almaman]

1 hour ago, cgeldmacher said:

I'm going to the game in Phoenix on Thursday night.  Hopefully, I will get to see Jordan get some time.

cool ur r eyes & ears report back

[Crewsorlose]

21 hours ago, SLU_Nick said:

 

If the Suns are tanking, Goodwin won't play much.  He plays too much winning basketball. 

It's like the wizards...the young guys actually might win so you have put the ball in CJ McCollum/Kris Middleton's hands in the 4th quarter.  

The NBA has a massive losing on purpose problem.  

I don't think the Suns have their pick in 2026. They're 3-4 and trying to see what they have. I hope J-Good plays more. 

[Crewsorlose]

18 hours ago, Compton said:

He's already qualified for an NBA pension. He vested for a pension after three seasons with at least one game on an NBA roster. Each season after that, his 4th and 5th seasons so far, has increased the future payout. But yeah, an actual non-minimum contract would be great. 

https://www.spotrac.com/nba/player/_/id/74333/jordan-goodwin

J-Good has made more than I've made in my life after working for 25 years. Granted, it's not long-term generation wealth-nobody-to-work-ever-again-money, but if he's smart and he should be able to provide a very nice life for his hypothetical partner and children and own a very nice house in the nicest suburb in Saint Louis. 

[billiken_roy]

4 minutes ago, Crewsorlose said:

https://www.spotrac.com/nba/player/_/id/74333/jordan-goodwin

......... and own a very nice house in the nicest suburb in Saint Louis. 

oh i hope he doesnt desert his metro east 618 roots.